exhibits at the birthplace museum

Renovation and Restoration

The restoration and renovation of the SBA Birthplace began in 2006 and continued through the summer of 2009.During that time much of the original was revealed and renewed. The original foundation timber, frame and floors were a gift to Daniel from his father, Humphrey.

Quaker LifeSusan B. Anthony’s family came from six generations of Quakers, or The Society of Friends. This religion was brought from England through the followers of founder, George Fox. In 17th century colonial America, the Quakers were persecuted. However, after the American Revolution, they were increasingly tolerated despite their renunciation of war and military service. Their life of strict simplicity called them to abstain from dancing, alcohol, and generally tobacco; they renounced ritual, art, music, sacraments and clergy.

Hearth & Home“The cooking for the family of sixteen was done on the hearth in front of the fire-place and in a big brick oven at the side.” The Life and Work of Susan B. Anthony Vol. 1 By: Ida Husted Harper

View the hearth, carefully researched and reconstructed, which served as the main gathering space during the daily routine of the Anthony family.

The Legacy RoomTimeline Visitors will have the opportunity to view Susan's life at a glance, through a detailed timeline, complete with historical images.

Artifacts CollectionTake a look at our artifacts collection, complete with authentic period pieces, such as, Dolls, Ribbons, Figurines, and many other exciting objects. Items are added to the collection throughout the year, so stop back and take a peek to see what's new.

Ephemera Ephemera are printed materials or paper items that have endured over time and used as historical documentation. The Susan B Anthony Birthplace Museum collection includes suffrage postcards, bookmarks, paper napkins, playing cards, brochures, and meeting notices, which provide insight into the issues for which early women advocated.

TemperanceWhat was the temperance movement and who was involved? Learn how Susan B. Anthony become interested in Temperance and how it shaped her character and her journey to become the iconic role as feminist foremother?

AbolitionThe first recorded vote against slavery in America was on February 18, 1688 at a Society of Friends meeting in Germantown, PA. With this kind of Quaker influence the Anthony family was firmly set in the belief of equal treatment for all.

Learn how Susan B. Anthony became acquainted with, and joined individuals such as Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass, William Lloyd Garrison to end slavery - even if it meant postponing securing the right for women to vote.

Opposition to RestellismRestellism comes from the name of infamous mid 19th century abortionist Madame Restell. Her trade was condemned unanimously by early feminists. Over 120 letters, articles, and editorials in Anthony’s Revolution speak out against Restellism and are the basis for the exhibit.Please view a selection of these articles here. The exhibit also features portraits of the first women doctors who went into the medical profession to counter the negative impression of Restellism, and to support pregnant women.

What is The Revolution?The Revolution is Anthony's Newspaper which was published in January 1868 through May of 1870. The Birthplace has one of the largest collections in the country of The Revolution.

SuffrageThe road to suffrage was neither quick nor without sacrifice yet Susan pressed on. The 14th constitutional amendments had bluntly stated that a vote could be cast by a "male", regardless of color. As Susan worked to promote the right of a woman to vote, she led and worked beside organizations and individuals such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucy Stone, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Matilda Joselyn Gage - to name a few.

Not all women were content with idea of women voting. The opposition launched a campaign of "Anti-Suffrage" led often by wealthy women and men of all socioeconomic levels.

This exhibit features ephemera (paper based artifacts), political pins, ribbons, postcards, and much more.

SBA Amendment –Winning the VoteWomen had not been given the right to vote, they earned it.

While Susan's role as an active pioneer continued to the last month of her life, her colleagues and friends continued with her mission.

The Nineteenth Amendment would be proclaimed on August 26th, 1920. It was to be forever known as the Susan B. Anthony Amendment.

The exhibit features artifacts from the period following Susan B. Anthony's death, including the role of Massachusett's women in the movement, to the proclamation of the 19th Amendment.

Daniel Anthony's StoreDaniel Anthony, Susan's father, ran a small rural store out of the family home to supply the needs of his textile worker. During restoration,the store was recreated the way it may have been in 1817.

Portrait GalleryGuiding forces, family members, close friends...view the portrait gallery to familiarize yourself with the faces and friends of the Anthony family.

Birthing RoomThe Birthing Room is considered by some to be one of most poignant of the museum exhibits. Within the four walls is where Adams most famous resident was born. Out its window one can see Mount Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts and overlooking the small Berkshire mill town of Adams.

The Birthing Room is considered by some to be one of most poignant of the museum exhibits. Within the four walls is where Adams most famous resident was born. Out its window one can see Mount Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts and overlooking the small Berkshire mill town of Adams.

Anthony Homestead ExhibitDiscover how Susan B Anthony’s family home was transformed from home to museum and stands as a memorial for Ms. Anthony and all of the Anthony Descendants through a timeline and photograph display.